Founder of Sparrow and Arms details work to help Bronx residents exit homelessness

Alana Sparrow, founder of the nonprofit Sparrow and Arms Inc., told BronxNet's Social Justice Forum that her work stems from personal experience with the shelter system and a long career helping people navigate homelessness. "We go to the shelter and physically meet with clients, you know, show them what action plans that they can actually take to move out of shelter and have stability," Sparrow said during the interview.

Sparrow described Sparrow and Arms as an a la carte service that starts inside shelters: staff and peer specialists assess benefits eligibility, provide shopping vouchers and explain programs clients may be entitled to before they move into permanent housing. "Building these relationships before that transition is even made" helps clients sustain housing after they leave the shelter system, she said.

Sparrow emphasized that housing alone is insufficient without supports such as job readiness, legal services and childcare. She said many clients receive small one-time assistance for furnishings but lack recurring income or employment supports. "I give you 1,000 and $38 for furniture but I don't give you a mattress," she said, stressing that the cost of essential items can undercut stability.

Sparrow also highlighted the organization's use of peer specialists who have lived shelter experience. She named one peer specialist, Jonathan Torres, as an example of someone who transitioned out of shelter and now mentors others, helping them navigate appointments, paperwork and work-readiness training. Sparrow said Sparrow and Arms partners with local organizations — including the Muslim Community Network, BronxWorks, TheDoor.org, and smaller community health and childcare providers — to connect clients with services on the spot.

The organization is developing plans for a Bronx community hub to host partner services as walk-in supports, and Sparrow said staff are looking at bidding on city-owned properties to create supportive housing for 18-to-24-year-olds aging out of foster care. "We wanna create a community hub which allows vendors, small organizations to come in and do work," she said. Sparrow framed the work as a borough-centered effort to preserve community stability as new residents and rising costs reshape neighborhoods.

Next steps include expanding partnerships, piloting the community hub model, continuing shelter outreach and pursuing bids for city property; Sparrow encouraged residents to engage through Sparrow and Arms' website and social media to learn about services and volunteer opportunities.